God’s plan of salvation – What the law could not do

God’s work with people – the law

“God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds.” Hebrews 1:1-2.

Ever since the time of Adam and Eve, God has spoken to mankind about His will, by means of His laws and precepts, both directly and by His prophets. He gave the law to Israel by Moses, as a help for them to keep the covenant into which He had entered with Abraham and his descendants. This was a blessing for them, and it had the effect of separating them from the Gentiles. These were laws and regulations about how people should live, but without giving them the power to live according to them.

The upright and God-fearing among the people of Israel struggled in their own strength to keep the many commandments and regulations of the law. One of the law’s requirements was that they should not covet. This was a requirement that was impossible for them to keep in their human strength. Covetousness was in their inner manThe outer man is our physical body while we are here on the earth. Our inner man is our everlasting spirit and soul. (Romans 7:22; 2 Corinthians 4:16; Ephesians 3:16; Matthew 10:28)... More, and the law could only judge them when sinSin is anything that goes against God’s will and His laws. To commit sin is to transgress or disobey these laws. The lust to sin dwells in human nature. In other words, it is contaminated and motivated by the sinful tendencies that dwell in all people as a result of the fall into sin and disobedience in the garden of Eden. This... More because of covetousness became a deed. Sacrifices gave them forgiveness for their sins, but could never take away covetousness and sin. They could appear fine outwardly, but within the lustsThe desires that we experience that go against God’s will. In other words, a desire for anything sinful. See James 1:14. Also called “sin in the flesh.” Although the expression “youthful lusts” is often thought of in connection with sinful sexual desires, lusts include anything that go against what is good and right in God’s eyes. (2 Timothy 2:22.; Galatians... More and covetousness waged warAlmost all talk of battles and wars when concerning a Christian life refers to the inner battle that arises when a sinful thought tempts you. God’s Spirit and the flesh are at odds. When you have decided to only do God’s will and are being led by the Spirit, a conflict between the flesh and the Spirit arises: there is... More in their members. Some of them managed to advance far in doing God’s will, because of their godly fear, but they never attained to the rest and peace, which was what God wanted them to have.

What the law could not do

After God had worked with mankind for several thousand years, “at various times and in various ways,” without them obtaining the promise, He decided to do something completely new. He sent His own Son to earth to open a new and living way, to finally crush the serpent’s (Satan’s) head (Genesis 3:15), and destroy him who had the power of death, that is the devil.

“Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of fleshSin is anything that goes against God’s will and His laws. To commit sin is to transgress or disobey these laws. The lust to sin dwells in human nature. In other words, it is contaminated and motivated by the sinful tendencies that dwell in all people as a result of the fall into sin and disobedience in the garden of Eden. This... More and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. For indeed He does not give aid to angels, but He does give aid to the seed of Abraham. Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethrenThe “brothers” and “sisters” are those who are a part of the church of Christ. (Matthew 23:8; Matthew 12:50; Hebrews 2:10-18)... More, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted.” Hebrews 2:14-18.

In the letter to the Romans, Paul describes the great work that God did in Jesus, and the great possibilities this opened up for us.

“For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful fleshSin is anything that goes against God’s will and His laws. To commit sin is to transgress or disobey these laws. The lust to sin dwells in human nature. In other words, it is contaminated and motivated by the sinful tendencies that dwell in all people as a result of the fall into sin and disobedience in the garden of Eden. This... More, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the fleshSin is anything that goes against God’s will and His laws. To commit sin is to transgress or disobey these laws. The lust to sin dwells in human nature. In other words, it is contaminated and motivated by the sinful tendencies that dwell in all people as a result of the fall into sin and disobedience in the garden of Eden. This... More, that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.” Romans 8:3-4

The lusts and passionsThe desires that we experience that go against God’s will. In other words, a desire for anything sinful. See James 1:14. Also called “sin in the flesh.” Although the expression “youthful lusts” is often thought of in connection with sinful sexual desires, lusts include anything that go against what is good and right in God’s eyes. (2 Timothy 2:22.; Galatians... More of the flesh were stronger than the requirements of the law; therefore, the law was powerless concerning sin. For example, the law was powerless concerning jealousy. It works within a person, where the law cannot judge or do anything about it. Here we see what was impossible for the law—namely to get people to fulfil the requirement of the law, “you shall not covet.” In other words, the law could not touch the root of sin, or sin in the flesh, which all people inherited after the Fall. For this indwelling sinSin is anything that goes against God’s will and His laws. To commit sin is to transgress or disobey these laws. The lust to sin dwells in human nature. In other words, it is contaminated and motivated by the sinful tendencies that dwell in all people as a result of the fall into sin and disobedience in the garden of Eden. This... More to be destroyed, a work had to take place in a real person with flesh and blood like the children, in whom lust for sin—the result of the Fall—was indwelling. God Himself had to condemn the sin in that person’s flesh.

The work that took place in Jesus when he was a human being on earth was not for His own sake. In Hebrews 2 we read that He did it for the sake of his brethren, those who want to accept Him as their Savior and follow Him on the way that He made. He did it so He can help us come to the same life. Keep reading to find out how Jesus’ life and death was of such significance for us people.

ActiveChristianity® by Brunstad Christian Church explores how God’s Word challenges and empowers us to live 100% according to His will, so we no longer need to fall in sin, but can come to a life of victory.